The island of São Jorge, also known as “the island of Fajãs”, is one of the five islands that make up the central group of the Azores archipelago.
Together with Terceira, Graciosa, Pico and Faial, the island of São Jorge offers similarly fantastic corners. In addition to its natural beauty, this is an island well known for its famous PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese and its bivalve clams.
In this article, we will present some of the places you must visit during your visit to São Jorge.
Pico da Esperança
This is the highest point on the island of São Jorge, with about 1053 meters of altitude. From its top, it is possible to have a panoramic view of the island, as well as to see the islands of the central group and the majestic mountain of Pico.
Fajã dos Cubres
Fajã dos Cubres is located in the same locality as Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. Its beauty jumps right out of sight and its lagoon is very rich in shrimp. These shrimps are used as fishing bait by the island’s fishermen. In this same lagoon, there are small “islands” where you can find several nests of Garajau – a typical bird from the Azores.
Fajã de São João
This is considered to be one of the most picturesque fajãs on the island. It is characterized by its typical houses made of dry stone masonry. The small lands of the subsistence farmers are also an aspect that marks the beauty of this fajã and provide an even more picturesque environment, something that you cannot miss.
Ilhéu do TopoIlhéu do Topo
This islet is located in the village of Topo and is one of the most important sites for bird nesting. It is integrated in the SPA.
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo
Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo is a nature reserve and a special ecological area with a unique lagoon. It is the only place in the Azores where the Clams (tapes decussatus) of São Jorge develop. Besides, it is considered a paradisiacal place when it comes to surfing and bodyboarding due to its reef break. The path that will give to the fajã is also something he will want not to miss, besides being a great exercise, will provide fantastic images.
Fajã dos Vimes
Due to its microclimatic conditions, it provides the perfect conditions to grow the coffee plant – a rare case in Europe. The existing coffee plantations in this fajã are for your own consumption, and there is also a space where you can taste and buy – Café Nunes. It should be noted that in addition to its unique flavour, this coffee has an intense aroma. In this fajã, the art of weaving has existed since the 16th century, with the techniques of high point and repassing point.
Algar do Montoso
It is a cave of geological formation, of lava origin, very interesting for lovers of speleology. Moreover, this is one of the largest algares in Portugal and is a real charm for cave lovers.
Poça Simão Dias
Poça Simão Dias is located in the fajã do Ouvidor, one of the largest fajãs on the north coast of São Jorge Island. It is an emblematic natural pool of the archipelago and is considered by all those who pass there as a piece of heaven on earth. It is characterized at a geological level by presenting prismatic disjunctions in its cliffs, fruit of the lava flows that gave its shape.
